President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate panel seeks documents in probe of DHS whistleblower complaint Susan Collins: Trump ‘should have been straightforward’ on COVID-19 Longtime House parliamentarian to step down MORE on Friday announced the normalization of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Israel, the second such breakthrough in recent weeks as the administration works to broker cooperation between Arab nations and Israel. 

“This is a historic breakthrough to further peace in the Middle East. Opening direct dialogue and ties between these two dynamic societies and advanced economies will continue the positive transformation of the Middle East and increase stability, security and prosperity in the region,” Trump said in a joint statement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuBenjamin (Bibi) NetanyahuMORE and King Hamad bin Isa Salman al-Khalifa of Bahrain.

The president, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, suggested that the development carried additional significance because it was announced on the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

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“There’s no more powerful response to the hatred that spawned 9/11 than the agreement that we’re about to tell you,” Trump said.

The news comes roughly a month after Trump announced the normalization of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Trump has pointed to both announcements as major foreign policy achievements, which he is likely to tout in the closing stretch of the 2020 presidential campaign.

Administration officials had expressed optimism that additional Arab nations would follow suit after the UAE normalized relations with Israel in mid-August.

“I am very hopeful that there will be more to follow,” Trump said. “I can tell you there’s tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of other countries to also join.”

Bahrain, a small island kingdom near Saudi Arabia, has been a reliable partner for the U.S. It hosted a Peace to Prosperity event in 2019 as part of a push for Middle East peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and it is home to a U.S. Naval fleet.

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Bahrain officials are expected to join representatives from Israel and the UAE at the White House next week for a formal signing ceremony. The kingdom is aiming to boost its economic partnerships in tech, finance, manufacturing and logistics, officials said.

The normalization of relations would likely not have been possible without approval from Saudi Arabia. The kingdom does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel, but has been a key behind-the-scenes player in U.S. efforts to broker peace in the region.

Asked whether the UAE and Bahrain deals could be a prelude to an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, White House senior adviser Jared KushnerJared Corey KushnerOvernight Defense: US marks 19th anniversary of 9/11 attacks | Trump awards Medal of Honor to Army Ranger for hostage rescue mission | Bahrain, Israel normalizing diplomatic ties Israel, Bahrain to normalize diplomatic relations, Trump announces Cohen: ‘I guarantee that it’s not going to go well for whoever’ set up Woodward interview MORE said he felt it was an “inevitability” that all Middle Eastern nations would eventually normalize relations with Israel.

“I think it’s definitely worth noticing the trend in the region and what I’ll just say is… the leadership in the region is — they recognize that the approach that’s been taken in the past hasn’t worked,” Kushner, who has led the administration’s Middle East peace efforts, told reporters. “And they realize that their people want to see a more vibrant and exciting future. So we’ve been trying to bring the region together.”

While political strategists note that presidential elections are typically more dependent on domestic issues, Trump has in recent weeks racked up diplomatic victories in the run-up to Election Day. He announced the normalization of relations between the UAE and Israel in mid-August after the two nations had been quietly moving toward diplomacy for years.

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Last week, Trump announced an economic pact between Serbia and Kosovo. As part of the arrangement between the Balkan states, Serbia agreed to move its embassy to Jerusalem and Kosovo formally recognized Israel.

Trump administration officials have emphasized the president’s role in the Balkan deal, though the agreement does not include “mutual recognition” between Serbia and Kosovo, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said.

Still, the announcement reflects how Trump has focused his foreign policy on close ties with Israel, and the recent diplomatic announcements provide him with a series of accomplishments to tout in the final weeks of the presidential race.

Trump regularly recounts at rallies his decision to relocate the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and to formally recognize the latter as the capital of Israel.

The agreements are also a boon to Netanyahu, who faces corruption scandals and criticism of his handling of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Updated at 2:03 p.m.

The 19th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, will be marked with a virtual ceremony at the Pentagon, dueling ceremonies in New York City and a truncated ceremony in Shanksville, Pa., as the coronavirus pandemic affects how Americans honor those killed in the terrorist attacks.

At the Pentagon, the day will start with the traditional unfurling of the American flag on the side of the building at sunrise.

Later in the morning, Defense Secretary Mark EsperMark EsperOvernight Defense: Trump announces new US ambassador to Afghanistan | Pentagon officially withdraws plan to end ‘Stars and Stripes’ | Biden says Trump doesn’t understand national security, intel officials ‘don’t trust’ him Pentagon officially withdraws plan to end ‘Stars and Stripes’ Trump: Pompeo traveling to Taliban, Afghan government talks MORE and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley will conduct a ceremony at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial that will be livestreamed.

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Families of those killed when Flight 77 struck the Pentagon will not be at the observance ceremony, but they will be able to visit the memorial in small groups throughout the day, the Pentagon said in an advisory.

In New York City, the National Sept. 11 Memorial & Museum will host a commemoration ceremony at 8:40 a.m. that will forgo its traditional live reading of the names of those killed. Instead, a pre-recorded video of the names will be played.

Just a few blocks away at about the same time, the Stephen Stiller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit named after a firefighter killed on 9/11, is hosting its own ceremony with a live name reading.

Vice President Pence and second lady Karen PenceKaren Sue PenceKaren Pence stumps for GOP SC congressional candidate Trump and Biden will both visit Pennsylvania site on anniversary of 9/11 The Hill’s 12:30 Report: Hurricane Laura makes landfall amid RNC, social justice protests MORE will attend both New York events, according to the White House.

President TrumpDonald John TrumpWarren: I feel ‘deep down fury’ that Trump downplayed pandemic NYT reporter removed from Trump rally in Michigan Trump says he didn’t share classified information following Woodward book MORE and Democratic president nominee Joe BidenJoe BidenHarris calls it ‘outrageous’ Trump downplayed coronavirus Historian predicts Trump downplaying pandemic will go down as ‘the greatest dereliction of duty’ in presidential history Overnight Defense: Trump announces new US ambassador to Afghanistan | Pentagon officially withdraws plan to end ‘Stars and Stripes’ | Biden says Trump doesn’t understand national security, intel officials ‘don’t trust’ him MORE are both expected to mark 9/11 in Shanksville, Pa., where Flight 93 crashed in a field as passengers tried to retake control of the plane from the hijackers.

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The ceremony in Shanksville will be shortened from its normal 90 minutes to about 20 minutes. The event will also be closed to the public, but will be livestreamed.

The Biden campaign said Thursday it will also pull its ads from the airwaves Friday in honor of the solemn anniversary. The Trump campaign has not said if it will do the same.

While not directly a 9/11 memorial, Trump is also expected to award a Medal of Honor to a post-9/11 soldier at the White House on Friday.

Army Ranger Sgt. Maj. Thomas Payne, who enlisted in July 2002, will be awarded the military’s highest decoration for heroic actions during a 2015 mission in Iraq to rescue ISIS hostages.

President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate panel seeks documents in probe of DHS whistleblower complaint Susan Collins: Trump ‘should have been straightforward’ on COVID-19 Longtime House parliamentarian to step down MORE on Friday awarded the nation’s highest military decoration to Army Ranger Sgt. Maj. Thomas “Patrick” Payne, recognizing him for leading a 2015 raid that freed dozens of hostages held by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

At a White House ceremony on the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, Trump introduced Payne as “a warrior who has devoted the last two decades to fighting the forces of terror” and recognized him with the Medal of Honor.

Trump talked about Payne’s decision to join the service at the age of 18 following the 9/11 hijackings. He described in some detail the raid that Payne led in October 2015 to free more than 70 captives held by ISIS militants in Iraq’s Kirkuk Province.

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“Pat, you embody the righteous glory of American valor,” Trump said during his remarks, before placing the medal on Payne. “We stand in awe of your historic, daring and gallant deeds. You truly went above and beyond the call of duty to earn our nation’s highest military honor.” 

Payne joined the U.S. Army in July 2002. He was trained as an Infantryman and became an Army Ranger the following year. Trump marveled Friday that Payne made an “astounding” 17 deployments; he deployed in support of missions including Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, Inherent Resolve and Resolute Support. 

Payne had previously been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his feats.

Defense Secretary Mark EsperMark EsperOvernight Defense: US marks 19th anniversary of 9/11 attacks | Trump awards Medal of Honor to Army Ranger for hostage rescue mission | Bahrain, Israel normalizing diplomatic ties Trump awards Medal of Honor to Army Ranger for hostage mission Pentagon, Trump, Biden to mark 9/11 anniversary MORE and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley, in uniform, as well as other military officials were on hand for the ceremony in the East Room of the White House.

Vice President Pence and first lady Melania TrumpMelania TrumpOvernight Defense: US marks 19th anniversary of 9/11 attacks | Trump awards Medal of Honor to Army Ranger for hostage rescue mission | Bahrain, Israel normalizing diplomatic ties Trump awards Medal of Honor to Army Ranger for hostage mission The Hill’s 12:30 Report – Presented by Facebook – Biden, Pence elbow bump at NYC Sept. 11 ceremony MORE were also in attendance. Payne was accompanied by his wife and their son.

Earlier Friday, Trump commemorated the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by traveling to Shanksville, Pa., to attend the annual Flight 93 memorial service, where he delivered remarks. 

The IRS announced this week that it will be providing the individual income tax return in Spanish for the first time.

The Form 1040 will be available in both English and Spanish for next year’s filing season, when people file their 2020 taxes. The form will also for the first time give taxpayers the ability to indicate if they wish to be contacted by the IRS in a language other than English, the agency said.

Offering the form in Spanish is part of a larger effort from the IRS to reach underserved communities and expand the amount of information available to taxpayers in languages other than English. The agency said that a publication about taxpayers’ rights is now available in 20 languages, and a publication about the general rules for filing an individual income tax return will be available early next year in seven languages.

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Many pages on the IRS website are currently available in seven languages, and some basic tax information is available in 20 languages on the website, the IRS said.

“We are continually increasing the information and services available in other languages as well as expanding our interpreter services so that we can interact in a more respectful manner with taxpayers in their most comfortable language,” IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig said in a news release. “We expect to continue these important efforts as we work to earn the trust and respect of every American.”

The IRS said it plans to increase the availability of widely used IRS forms and publications in multiple languages in the coming months and years. 

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co. executives instructed its senior trading-floor managers to return to the office by Sept. 21 in Wednesday calls, a person familiar with the plans told The Hill. 

Officials at one of Wall Street’s largest companies told senior managers of the sales and trading operation they had to be back in the office by Sept. 21, although many have already come back, the person noted.

Managers who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19, live with a person who is high-risk or experiencing child care or school issues will still be permitted to work from home after the deadline. The company also plans to monitor the situation in each city and location and adjust accordingly, the person said. 

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The Wall Street Journal first reported the deadline to return to the office Thursday.

Trading chief Troy Rohrbaugh and Marc Badrichani, the bank’s global head of sales and research, informed the senior managers in phone calls, according to the newspaper. 

Rohrbaugh and Badrichani reportedly told the managers that the cohesiveness of the workplace would be in jeopardy if they did not return to in-person work and warned that training for new staff would not be sufficient, people familiar with the matter told the Journal. 

Concerns about returning to in-person work prompted JPMorgan to implement required training for employees, describing the pandemic work environment through animated figures wearing masks, washing their hands and practicing new hallway procedures, according to the newspaper.

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JPMorgan workers were sent to work from home in March, along with most in New York City, the first major epicenter for the coronavirus pandemic in the country. More than a dozen JPMorgan workers on the fifth floor of its building fell ill in mid-March while employees were still in the office. 

As the city reopened, several came back to in-person work in June, but no mandates for returning had been issued. 

But Wall Street has overall adjusted to many working remotely despite earlier hiccups without being on the physical trading floor and without necessary technology, the Journal noted. 

The New York Times categorizes New York state as an area where coronavirus cases are now “lower and staying low.”

The Defense Department on Saturday celebrated the 111th birthday of Lawrence Brooks, the oldest known living U.S. veteran from World War II.

“I salute your service and your lifetime of determination,” Defense Secretary Mark EsperMark EsperOvernight Defense: US marks 19th anniversary of 9/11 attacks | Trump awards Medal of Honor to Army Ranger for hostage rescue mission | Bahrain, Israel normalizing diplomatic ties Trump awards Medal of Honor to Army Ranger for hostage mission Pentagon, Trump, Biden to mark 9/11 anniversary MORE wrote on Twitter.

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Of the 16 million U.S. veterans who served, about 300,000 are still alive today, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Louisiana native was stationed with the Army as part of the predominately African American 91st Engineers Battalion in the Pacific Theater. He served in Australia, New Guinea and then the Philippines.

Brooks served before the military was formally desegregated in 1948 and spoke with National Geographic in May about the racism and hostility he faced in the service, 75 years after the end of the war. 

“I was treated so much better in Australia than I was by my own white people,” Brooks said. “I wondered about that. That’s what worried me so much. Why?”

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Rob Citino, a senior historian at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, told National Geographic that roughly 1.2 million African Americans wore a military uniform and they were “often being treated as second-class citizens at home.”

“We went to war with Hitler, the world’s most horrible racist, and we did so with a segregated army because, despite guarantees of equal treatment, this was still Jim Crow America,” Citino said. “African Americans were still subject to all kinds of limitations and discrimination based on the color of their skin. I think they were fighting for the promise of America rather than the reality of America.”

Brooks said that every time he thinks about the inequalities he and fellow Black service members faced, “I’d get angry, so the best thing I’d do is just leave it go.”

He returned to New Orleans and worked as a forklift operator for years before retiring in his 1970s. Brooks lost his wife, Leona, in 2005 to Hurricane Katrina shortly after the couple was evacuated by helicopter from their home. 

“Hurricane Katrina took everything I owned, washed away everything,” he told CBS This Morning last year. 

Brooks is the father of five children, 13 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren, according to National Geographic.

He told the magazine that his key to a good life is: “Serve God, and be nice to people.”

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday said it was rejecting Democrats’ call for acting agency Secretary Chad WolfChad WolfHillicon Valley: Dems seek to expand DHS probe after whistleblower complaint | DHS rejects House subpoena for Wolf to testify | Facebook rolls out new features for college students DHS rejects House Democrats’ call for Wolf to testify Democrats smell blood with new DHS whistleblower complaint MORE to appear before the panel, arguing it is unprecedented for a nominee to testify during the confirmation process on unrelated matters.

The pushback came as House Democrats issued a subpoena on Friday for Wolf to testify before the Homeland Security Committee on Sept. 17. Democrats have been pushing for Wolf to appear at a hearing titled “Worldwide Threats to the Homeland.”

In a letter sent to Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie ThompsonBennie Gordon ThompsonHillicon Valley: Dems seek to expand DHS probe after whistleblower complaint | DHS rejects House subpoena for Wolf to testify | Facebook rolls out new features for college students DHS rejects House Democrats’ call for Wolf to testify Democrats divided over 1998 embassy bombing settlement MORE (D-Miss.) on Friday, Assistant DHS Secretary Beth Spivey slammed the assertion that Wolf’s appearance was necessary, noting the agency offered to allow senior official Ken Cuccinelli to appear before the committee to testify on threats instead.

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“I had written to you on September 8, 2020 that it would be contrary to standard practice for  the Acting Secretary, as the President’s selection (and announced at the time as the President’s future  nominee) to be Secretary of Homeland Security, to testify before the Committee on Homeland  Security on a subject matter unrelated to his nomination while that nomination was pending,” Spivey wrote, arguing the “arguments in your [Thompson’s] letter are without merit.”

Spivey noted that Trump formally nominated Wolf to officially serve as secretary on Sept. 10, asserting that Wolf will not testify until he is officially confirmed. She added that it is a standard that has long been practiced by both parties. 

“From that moment onward, the Acting Secretary became unavailable to testify before Congress on matters unrelated to his nomination and will regain the ability to do so when the Senate completes the confirmation process,” the DHS letter says.  

“This Presidential nomination obviates any concern that the Acting Secretary’s declining to testify at the Worldwide Threats hearing was premature, conjectural or speculative. 

“Second, the right of a President’s nominee to abstain from testifying on matters unrelated to his  or her nomination while such a nomination is pending is an unwritten rule honored by Chairmen from both sides of the aisle for many decades.”

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Thompson blasted DHS’s refusal for Wolf to testify on Friday.

“Nineteen years after the attacks of 9/11, we continue to face grave threats to the homeland. From the coronavirus pandemic to the rise of right-wing extremism to ongoing election interference, there are urgent threats requiring our attention. Mr. Wolf’s refusal to testify – thereby evading congressional oversight at this critical time – is especially troubling given the serious matters facing the Department and the Nation,” Thompson said in a statement.

“The Committee has not only the authority, but also an obligation to execute its Constitutional oversight responsibilities regarding Mr. Wolf’s decisions and the Department’s actions in securing the homeland. As Chairman, I intend to ensure the Committee fulfills that responsibility.”

Spivey argued in her letter that DHS has cooperated with the panel’s calls to supply information pertaining to the topic of the hearing, questioning why the alternatives offered by the agency to testify are not considered adequate. 

She said other witnesses who are being called before the committee are not at the Cabinet level, arguing Wolf’s presence would be “inappropriate.” She noted that Wolf had previously “volunteered to testify before the Committee in July on Worldwide Threats to the Homeland and in  August on Civil Unrest” which did not take place. 

“After all, at the same hearing, the other persons scheduled to testify—the Director of the  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center  (NCTC)—are not heads of cabinet-level agencies,” the letter said. “The SOPDDS would be the highest-ranking official to be present at the hearing. I would also point out that the Director of the NCTC did not confirm his attendance until he was confirmed by the Senate — a practice that was accommodated by the Committee.”

Spivey said DHS is willing to work with the panel to find a date after the confirmation process concludes for Wolf to appear.

“Should the presence of SOPDDS Cuccinelli before the Committee in Acting Secretary Wolf’s stead not meet your needs, DHS remains willing to collaborate with you to find a later date for the Acting Secretary to make himself available to the  Committee once the Senate acts on his nomination,” she wrote. 

– Maggie Miller contributed

Updated: 7:30 p.m.

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Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) said Sunday that he is “very seriously considering” another bid at the presidency in 2020 and raised the possibility of running on a bipartisan ticket.

“These are earnest conversations that go on virtually every day with some of my friends, with my family. We need different leadership. There isn’t any question about it,” he said on ABC’s “This Week.”

Outgoing Ohio Gov. John Kasich tells @gstephanopoulos he is considering a 2020 run against President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE “very seriously”

“We need different leadership, there isn’t a question about it … I’m worried about our country in the longterm” https://t.co/P6iz1j1VA4 #ThisWeek pic.twitter.com/DT3xa8COII

— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) November 25, 2018

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Kasich said that “all options are on the table” for his potential bid, including running on a bipartisan ticket. 

The Ohio governor, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in 2016, raised the possibility that President Trump and Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.) are nominated by their respective parties in 2020.

Kasich said that would leave an “ocean of people” in the middle.

“Is there a legitimate opportunity for a third party, bipartisan kind of ticket to be able to score a victory or to have a profound impact on the future of American politics? … We don’t know at this point,” he said.

“No one thought a guy like Donald Trump would be elected president. No one thought we’d have electric cars,” he added. “This is a time of change, dynamic change. You can’t judge tomorrow on the basis of what happened yesterday.”

Kasich said he has no timetable for determining whether to run, but added that he is worried about the future of the United States.

“And not just in the short-term,” he said. “I’m worried about our country in the long-term.”

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Rep. Beto O’Rourke has caught fire with the Democratic base and media pundits, but not everyone is sure he’d be the best candidate to take on President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE in 2020. 

Skeptics of the Texas lawmaker include those who think his politics run too far to the left for a general election, to those who want a Democratic standard-bearer who is not a white male, to those who think it’s just a bit early for someone who lost a Senate race in Texas to run for president. 

Several of the most prominent would-be contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination are senators, and as a result, Democratic senators are understandably leery to handicap the 2020 field.

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In addition, lawmakers don’t want to draw fire from the base by openly criticizing a rising star who has generated so much enthusiasm among donors and activists.

But lawmakers aren’t jumping on the O’Rourke bandwagon, cautioning that a lot can change in politics over the course of a few weeks, let alone over the span of a year until the Iowa caucuses.

One Democratic senator, who requested anonymity to comment frankly on O’Rourke’s political stock, said that while he is popular with activists and the Democratic base, he may be too liberal to win a general election. 

“I think he’s charismatic,” the senator said. “But the interesting thing to me is that when you look at Arizona and Texas, Trump won the two states by the same amount. Both states have gone about 30 years without electing a Democrat to the Senate. In Arizona, [Democratic Rep. Kyrsten] Sinema ran [for Senate] as a moderate. In Texas, Beto ran as a progressive. She won, he lost.”

“Barack ObamaBarack Hussein ObamaHarris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Five ways America would take a hard left under Joe Biden Valerie Jarrett: ‘Democracy depends upon having law enforcement’ MORE did better in rural Texas than Beto did,” the lawmaker added. “He’s a shiny new object.”

O’Rourke won a scant 26.6 percent of the vote in the state’s 172 rural counties while his opponent, Sen. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote The Hill’s Morning Report – Trump’s public standing sags after Floyd protests GOP senators introduce resolution opposing calls to defund the police MORE (R), won 73 percent of the vote in those counties — 3 points better than GOP nominee Mitt RomneyWillard (Mitt) Mitt RomneyMilley discussed resigning from post after Trump photo-op: report Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names Attorney says 75-year-old man shoved by Buffalo police suffered brain injury MORE did against Obama in 2012.

But O’Rourke outperformed Obama statewide by 7 points by turning out more votes in urban areas.

O’Rourke’s loss, in itself, is one reason cited by Democrats skeptical he is their best candidate for 2020.

“If Beto O’RourkeBeto O’RourkeBiden will help close out Texas Democrats’ virtual convention: report O’Rourke on Texas reopening: ‘Dangerous, dumb and weak’ Parties gear up for battle over Texas state House MORE wants to go and run for president, God bless him, he should put his hat in and make his case. But he lost. You don’t usually promote a loser to the top of party,” former Obama White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel told MSNBC last month.

O’Rourke scored a coup by winning over Louis Susman, a major fundraiser for Obama, to his camp, but other Democratic power brokers question whether the young political star has enough heft.

Democratic fundraiser Gary Hirshberg told CNN, “I don’t just need someone who can rock a rally … I’m looking for somebody who demonstrates executive prowess and deep substance.”

Many admire O’Rourke’s charisma and political skill. The Texan has drawn quick comparisons to Obama, who won a Senate race in 2004 and then the Democratic presidential nomination four years later. 

In O’Rourke’s case, however, some want to make sure he’s not going to flame out.

“Remember that Barack launched at the national convention in Boston, went back to win the Senate seat in Illinois [and] served two years here,” Senate Democratic Whip Dick DurbinRichard (Dick) Joseph DurbinOVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names Tim Scott to introduce GOP police reform bill next week MORE (Ill.), one of Obama’s earliest supporters, said of Obama’s rise to power from 2004 to the start of the 2008 presidential campaign. 

Durbin said O’Rourke “brings a lot of charisma to the quest, as did Barack,” but added he still has a lot to prove. 

“The jury is out,” he said. 

If he does run for the White House, O’Rourke will first have to beat a number of Democrats in the primary, including several of Durbin’s colleagues. 

Sens. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.), Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.), Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Democrats demand Republican leaders examine election challenges after Georgia voting chaos Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-Minn.), Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-N.J.), Sherrod BrownSherrod Campbell BrownHillicon Valley: Senators raise concerns over government surveillance of protests | Amazon pauses police use of its facial recognition tech | FBI warns hackers are targeting mobile banking apps Democratic senators raise concerns over government surveillance of protests Some realistic solutions for income inequality MORE (D-Ohio), Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook McEnany says Juneteenth is a very ‘meaningful’ day to Trump MORE (D-Calif.) and Kirsten GillibrandKirsten GillibrandWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Warren, Pressley introduce bill to make it a crime for police officers to deny medical care to people in custody Senate Dems press DOJ over coronavirus safety precautions in juvenile detention centers MORE (D-N.Y.) are all contemplating White House bids. Many of them have strong relationships with lawmakers and other political heavyweights in Washington. 

Sen. Jon TesterJonathan (Jon) TesterSenate confirms Trump’s watchdog for coronavirus funds Montana barrels toward blockbuster Senate fight The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip MORE (D), who last month won a tough reelection in Montana, a state Trump carried by 20 points, said his friend Booker would be a formidable candidate. 

O’Rourke will have to win over some members of that political class to capture the nomination over not only the members of the Senate expected to run for the White House, but also other possible candidates such as former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. 

O’Rourke, who is in his third term in the House, has less political experience than a figure such as Biden, who last week said he was the most qualified person to be president. But Democrats aren’t sure that is really a hindrance. 

“The field is wide open. I don’t know that the electorate is looking for 30 years of federal experience. People asked the same questions of Barack Obama,” said Sen. Chris MurphyChristopher (Chris) Scott MurphyState, city education officials press Congress for more COVID-19 funds The Hill’s 12:30 Report: Trump takes victory lap in morning news conference Pelosi demands Trump clarify deployment of unidentified law enforcement in DC MORE (D-Conn.). 

O’Rourke served for six years on the El Paso City Council before being elected to the House in 2012. Before then he co-founded an internet services company and worked as a community activist. 

Murphy doesn’t think it’s a problem that O’Rourke is a white man seeking his party’s nomination, but he also doesn’t think Democrats have to pick a man just because a woman, Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonWhite House accuses Biden of pushing ‘conspiracy theories’ with Trump election claim Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness Trayvon Martin’s mother Sybrina Fulton qualifies to run for county commissioner in Florida MORE, lost to Trump. 

“Donald Trump is a force of personality. You need to have the right personality profile to go up against Donald Trump,” he said. “I don’t think it matters what race or gender you are. It matters whether you’re a good enough pugilist, it matters whether you’re authentic, it matters whether you have a restorative capacity.” 

O’Rourke wins kudos for his ability to connect with voters and raise tens of millions of dollars.

“He has transitioned from a candidate to a cause and in many ways he’s a reflection of the causes and ideals and enthusiasm people want to feel,” said Robert Zimmerman, a top Democratic fundraiser, who called the Beto phenomenon “very real.”

“His team doesn’t have to work too hard because he’s captivated the imagination of so many people. He’s authentic, and that’s the qualifying standard,” he said.

“His greatest danger is to catch too much fire too quickly,” Zimmerman added, reflecting another recurring worry Democrats cite about O’Rourke.

Some veteran Democrats think voters will be clamoring for a candidate who provides a sharp contrast in gravitas with Trump, and there are questions about whether O’Rourke fits that bill. 

“Many people now require an experience and temperament test for support,” said former Rep. Ellen Tauscher (Calif.). “Realize how shallow the scrutiny on Trump was and we are now paying a huge price.”

The people touting O’Rourke often speak of a special something that Obama had and that, to their eyes, seems to be missing from some likely candidates. 

O’Rourke is 46, a year younger that Obama when he ran for president. 

“Democrats respond to magic,” MSNBC host Chris Matthews declared Wednesday in a commentary urging O’Rourke to run for president. He noted the buzz created during a college campus event hosted by “Hardball” that O’Rourke attended. 

“There was magic in that room like when we hosted a ‘Hardball’ college tour at West Chester University up in Pennsylvania in 2008 for Sen. Obama,” he said. “I believe elections should be about the future.”  

O’Rourke met with Obama last month in Washington, and former Obama aides have encouraged him to launch a White House campaign. 

“If he’s anything like Obama, his competitors are toast,” said one strategist. “The way he’s taken the country by storm has been nothing short of spectacular.”

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Former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory (R) ruled out a possible run in the state’s 9th District on Wednesday, saying that Republican Mark HarrisMark HarrisTrump sparks debate over merits of voting by mail The Hill’s Campaign Report: Debate over mail-in voting heats up Bevin says he lost because liberals are ‘good at harvesting votes’ in urban areas MORE deserves a chance to “get the facts out” about alleged fraud in the disputed race.

But McCrory also opened the door to a potential gubernatorial bid in 2020 or a Senate run in 2022, saying that he would weigh his options through 2019.

“I’m going to do a thorough assessment on whether or not I want to run for governor again between now and December,” McCrory said on his radio show. “And I’m also going to do an assessment of whether or not I could make a positive difference possibly in running for the U.S. Senate, 2022.”

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McCrory, who was ousted from the governor’s mansion by current Gov. Roy Cooper (D) in 2016, said that he was not yet ready to announce concrete plans for his political career, because he has “other goals and aspirations” to pursue in the meantime.

“And plus, I’d be getting right back into the game that I’ve been criticizing,” he said. “The game of groveling for money, two years before an election even occurs.”

McCrory said numerous people have urged him to run in North Carolina’s 9th District if state election officials determine that a new election is necessary.

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Harris currently leads Democrat Dan McCready in that race by 905 votes. But the now-defunct State Board of Elections refused to certify the election results amid allegations that a contractor for Harris’s campaign paid workers to illegally collect absentee ballots in rural Bladen County and neighboring Robeson County.

The elections board was ruled unconstitutional last year but continued to operate as a panel of judges granted appeals to delay its dissolution. It was finally dissolved last month after the judges rejected requests for a temporary stay.

The dissolution of the board threw the future of the fraud investigation into uncertainty. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 11, and Cooper has said that he intends to appoint members to an interim elections panel.

That panel would serve until Jan. 31, when a recently passed state law establishing a new elections board takes effect.

The uncertainty surrounding the former elections board and the fraud investigation could leave the 9th District seat vacant for weeks or even months. While Harris currently leads in the race, House Democratic leaders have signaled that they will refuse to seat the Republican until the dispute is resolved.

McCrory said that it would be “irresponsible” of him to challenge Harris for the House seat, if a new election is ordered.

“I think it would be irresponsible for me to say I’m running for that office,” he said. “Plus, I think my experience level and my leadership capabilities would be best suited elsewhere.”